For the City Times

Two Rafters Among Northwoods League best hitters

Rochester, Minn. – The Northwoods League has announced the recipients of the 2017 Rawlings ‘Big Stick’ Award. This award is given to the player at each position who had the best batting average during the 2017 season

Infielder Ryan Stekl (Canisius) was selected as a 2017 Rawlings ‘Big Stick’ Award recipient. Stekl paced the Rafters offense all season with a .364 average, good for 92 hits while driving in 52 runs. He will enter his Senior season this year at Canisius.

Infielder Bryson Stott (UNLV) was also selected as a 2017 Rawlings ‘Big Stick’ Award recipient.  Stott broke the single season Rafters record for hits with 100 to go along with his .352 average and knocked in 51 base runners. He will enter his Sophomore season this year at UNLV.

Rawlings has been awarding the top hitters in the Northwoods League since 2007 in addition to honoring the best fielders since 2002. To honor their achievement, the nine award winners will receive an engraved bat from Rawlings. The complete list of 2017 Rawlings “Big Stick” Award Winners is below.